[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 21, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S3002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DAVID FITZ-GERALD

 Mr. SANDERS. Madam President, today I wish to recognize David 
Fitz-Gerald and congratulate him on his term as the chair of the ESOP 
Association. David has been committed to advancing the employee 
ownership model in Vermont and around the country. For the last 2 
years, David served as chair of the association, working to promote the 
interests of employee stock ownership plan, ESOP, companies across the 
country.
  In my State of Vermont, we have seen firsthand the many benefits that 
employee ownership can bring to businesses and employees. Study after 
study has shown that employee ownership has been proven to spur 
employment, increase productivity, grow sales, and raise wages. During 
the last two recessions, companies with ESOPs were twice as likely to 
survive the downturn.
  David has been a vital ally in the efforts to expand broad-based 
employee ownership and bolster middle-class jobs in our communities. As 
chair, David advocated for the ESOP business model and the benefits of 
worker ownership all across the country. I know many in the employee 
ownership community are so appreciative of David's energy, motivation, 
and empowerment. Over the last 2 years, David dedicated much of his 
time and energy to expanding broad-based employee ownership to help 
create a sustainable economy that benefits all of us.
  In addition to his work as chair of the ESOP Association, David 
serves as a trustee for the Employee Ownership Foundation, working to 
promote employee ownership. He is a leader in the Vermont employee 
ownership community and has been a crucial ally in our fight to expand 
employee ownership in our state and throughout the country. As we 
continue to work together to help the employee ownership model realize 
its true potential, I know David will continue to be an invaluable 
partner.

                          ____________________